Thanks to a great fashion blog called Ain't No Mom Jeans (check it out if you haven't already), I have just learned of a new online boutique for breastfeeding moms. In my early BF days, I struggled to find fashionable clothes that made it easy to whip my boob out in and ended up exclusively wearing button up shirts for a while. This website makes things a lot easier and the price point for most items is not outrageous. I love that they list the function of each top so you know if it's good for pumping, BF or both. Of course you can find similar items at cheaper prices but if you are planning to BF for a while (I'm still doing it 15 months in) I think it's worth it to get some quality items that will stand up to a lot of washing because, trust me, there will be stains. At the very least, the styling on the website gives you great insight on how to dress cute when you are out and about with baby. There is a solution for every difficult social occasion from wedding attire to work to a day at the park. I wish I owned the Waterfall Wrap. It's 1000 times more fashionable than the BF covers I have and would have come in handy when we went to a baseball game for Tuan's work party a few months ago.

Monday, May 19, 2014

This weekend was the first in a while that we didn't have anything planned. No weddings, no birthdays, no holidays. Parker let us "sleep in" until 8 AM and we spent some time cleaning the house and doing chores. It felt really good not to have to be anywhere in particular.

After a quick bang trim at Clip Art Salon in Kensington, we headed to South Park to have lunch at Station Tavern & Burgers. Ever been to a place that was so kid friendly that you felt weird being there without a kid? This is one of those places. The food is simple, kid friendly, reasonably priced and satisfying. They have an extensive bar menu. Almost everyone there has at least one child under the age of 5 at their table. There is a little play area with chalk boards and a little wooden train for the kids to play in. The outdoor dining area is shady and filled with long picnic tables (perfect for large groups). I failed to take good photos of the space but there are some good photos in the gallery on their website. But let's be real. We came for the tater tots. They are so crunchy and perfect with the chipotle mayo sauce.

For those who are not familiar with the area, there are a few nice boutique shops to check out in the neighborhood after you've filled your bellies.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Wildfires have been burning in various places throughout San Diego County since Tuesday and I just want to take this time to say THANK YOU to all the firefighters and emergency personnel who are helping to put them out and get people out safely. It's frightening to know that the winds can pick up an ember and set a house ablaze so easily. My condolences go out to those who have lost their homes and to the family and friends of the one person who was killed in Carlsbad.

Our bags have been packed since we saw the smoke from the small Scripps Ranch fire from our backyard on Wednesday. I highly doubt another fire will start in our area but you just never know. Better to be prepared then to be caught off guard! Here is a link to a great emergency evacuation list because we all know this may be the beginning of a very long fire season.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

I've scoured the interwebz researching what we will need in preparation for Parker's swim lessons which start next month. I can't believe we are so close to summer! Below are my picks for the essentials required for a successful swim lesson experience.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Whhhyy? Why do crumbs and dirt follow Parker wherever he goes? I just vacuumed my car yesterday and by the time I dropped him off this morning my seats looked like this. Between the snacks, the boogers, all the toys and books and the spraying food sneezes there is always something gross to clean up in the backseat.

#toddlerproblems

To combat the problem I'm going to invest in the following items. I hope these help! I considered getting a car vacuum but I don't want to add anything else to my car.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Tuan and Parker treated me to a Disney weekend for Mother's Day and we had so much fun. I love spending time with my favorite guys.

[The Hilton upgraded us AND let us check in aroun 9 AM. What a fantastic way to start the weekend! The first thing Parker discovered were the buttons on the safe.]

[The view from our room. I'm a little bummed we didn't come prepared with swim suits this time. The pool looked amazing. This photo doesn't show that we had a perfect view for firework watching. Little man was obsessed with the curtains.]

[In line for our first ride in Bug's Land.]

[Family selfie!]

[Parker showing us his belly during lunch at Carthay Circle. Best food in either Disney park hands down. It's even better than the food at Club 33. The fried biscuit balls are a must try. Lunch was $40/person and we received reserved seating tickets for World of Color with our meals.]

[We had Parker's portrait drawn. Looks just like Tuan, right?]

[Every time he saw the balloon vendors he would start screaming "baboon! baboon!!" Of course we ended up paying $14 for a balloon.]

[Tuan trying to show off while we played games on the boardwalk.]

[Enjoyed this banana split from Ghiradelli before watching World of Color.]

[Great view of World of Color. I love when they light up the ferris wheel. Parker managed to stay up to watch most of the show. What a trooper!]

[Before checking out of the hotel, we let him go crazy with the toilet paper. Sorry, housekeeping staff!]

[My one and only photo with the beautiful necklace Tuan got me before I lost it. So sad!]

[My Mother's Day card. Spot on, Husband!]

I had so much fun this weekend! We wrapped up our time in OC by having lunch with my mom and the rest of my family. Happy Mother's Day to all my readers :)

Friday, May 9, 2014

I love our UppaBABY Vista but the new Peg Perego stroller has me feeling some serious stroller envy. Just. Watch. The. Video. See how flat it gets? And that storage basket underneath? Ahhh...so perfect.

One of everything, please! That's the first thought that came to mind when I first browsed the tees on Sly Fox Threads. I love everything about this casual kids line. The tees are full of personality and perfect for rambunctious little boys and girls. Plus, they look really soft and worn in. My fave is the "I'm a Wild One" sweatshirt. I started following their FB page yesterday and it looks like there is going to be a sale over Mother's Day!

**Update20% off everything with the code Mom until 5/11.

See that tee with the red balloon in the middle? That's a special shirt that has been added in memory of Ryan, a little boy who was tragically hit by a truck last weekend. All proceeds are going to Ryan's family. My thoughts are with them in their time of grief. I'm tearing up just thinking about their loss and what they must be going through. You can read more about Ryan's story here http://diaryofanaddict.co/red-balloons-ryan/.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Parker has been growing in leaps and bounds the last couple of months. He can communicate so well now and it's incredible to watch him really transition from a baby to a toddler. His favorite things to say are: doggy, quack quack, ca (fish in Vietnamese) and more. Chasing after him has gotten a little trickier since he is so fast now! He can climb on and off of things and open all the drawers in the kitchen. His appetite is ferocious and he drinks over 50 oz of almond milk everyday. Parker is very social and loves playing with other kids. I'm such a proud mama and can't wait to celebrate Mother's Day with my two handsome men at the happiest place on earth this weekend.

Monday, May 5, 2014

We took advantage of the fact that we were in LA after our photo shoot to visit Philippe The Original, a restaurant famous for inventing the french dip sandwich. Philippe's had been on our list of places to try since I made it #25 on the list of 25 days of sandwiches I gave Tuan for Christmas 2 years ago.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was very casual and had a distinct air of age aka the tables were old and there were phone booths available. We got our beef sandwiches with sides of potato salad and macaroni salad. The sandwiches were good but small and the sides were mediocre. They also serve coleslaw, pickeled eggs, pickled pigs feet, soups, beer and other drinks but we didn't try them. We contemplated ordering two more sandwiches but the line at the register has tripled in size due to the fact that a Dodgers game had just ended. I'm glad we were finally able to check that 25th sandwich place off the list! If you are going to visit, please know that this place is cash only.